Paige Bueckers, Wings show how bright their future is with upset win over Liberty

In the second quarter, Bueckers showcased her phenomenal handles while guarded by forward Stephanie Talbot, getting enough separation before drilling another long jumper.

Bueckers has 10 20-point games this season, which ranks 19th in WNBA history among rookies, despite missing seven games due to injury. 

The Wings (8-19) have the league's third-worst record, but Buecker's sensational debut season has made the tough parts worth it.

The likely Rookie of the Year is averaging 18.2 points, 5.5 assists, four rebounds and 1.9 steals per game. With several of the team's players, including Ogunbowale, set to become unrestricted free agents following the season, it's anyone's guess what the Wings will look like next season. 

But with Bueckers under contract through 2027, Dallas might not toil near the bottom of the league for long.

While the league hasn't revealed how lottery odds will be determined with five teams eligible to get the No. 1 pick in 2026, the Wings should have the best chance of getting next year's top pick, giving the franchise an opportunity to add another top prospect next to Bueckers.

Monday's win over the Liberty (17-8) gave the league a glimpse of the type of future the Wings can have. Based on how quickly Bueckers has ingratiated herself, it might not be long before the future becomes the present.